Uninhabited when first discovered by Portuguese in 1502, Saint Helena previously garrisoned by British during 17th century. It acquired fame as place of Napoleon BONAPARTE's exile, from 1815 until his death in 1821, but its importance as a port of call declined after opening of Suez Canal in 1869. Ascension Island is site of a US Air Force auxiliary airfield; Gough Island has a meteorological station.

Geography

Saint Helena

Location:

islands in South Atlantic Ocean, about midway between South America and Africa

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952)
elections: none; monarch is hereditary; governor is appointed by monarch
head of government: Governor and Commander in Chief Michael CLANCY (since NA October 2003)
cabinet: Executive Council consists of governor, two ex officio officers, and six elected members of Legislative Council

Legislative branch:

unicameral Legislative Council (16 seats, includes speaker, 3 ex officio and 12 elected members; members are elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)
elections: last held 27 June 2001 (next to be held NA June 2005)
election results: percent of vote - NA%; seats - independents 15

blue with flag of UK in upper hoist-side quadrant and Saint Helenian shield centered on outer half of flag; shield features a rocky coastline and three-masted sailing ship

Economy

Saint Helena

Economy - overview:

economy depends largely on financial assistance from UK, which amounted to about $5 million in 1997 or almost one-half of annual budgetary revenues. local population earns income from fishing, raising of livestock, and sales of handicrafts. Because there are few jobs, 25% of work force has left to seek employment on Ascension Island, on Falklands, and in UK.